Health organizations recognize Suicide Prevention Month

Posted by Taylor Fussman on September 3rd, 2019

The national suicide prevention lifeline provides 24/7 free and confidential support for people in distress, prevention and crisis resources and best practices for health care professionals. (Courtesy photo)

MECOSTA, OSCEOLA, LAKE COUNTIES — Nearly 800,000 people die by suicide every year, according to the World Health Organization, and for every death, there are more people who attempt suicide each year.

While suicide continues to be a growing concern for communities across the world, mental health professionals are attempting to bring awareness to the problem by recognizing September as National Suicide Prevention Month.

Liz Cunningham, crisis team supervisor for Community Mental Health for Central Michigan (CMHCM), which provides services to residents in Mecosta and Osceola counties, said the purpose of National Suicide Prevention Month is to bring awareness to the public so people can get the help they need.

“It’s about getting information out to people of where they can go for help,” she said.

Cunningham said CMHCM provides multiple crisis services to people in local communities, including those for adults, children, families, people with substance use disorders and more. She said there also are several outpatient services offered, such as support groups for trauma and anxiety.

“We provide crisis services to anyone in the community,” she said. “People can walk in the door Monday through Friday or call our offices 24/7.”

While CMHCM offers assistance to those in Mecosta and Osceola counties, people in Lake County also can find support through West Michigan Community Mental Health (WMCMH), located in Baldwin.

Individuals can reach CMHCM in Mecosta County at (231) 796-5825, or in Osceola County at (231) 832-2247. People also can call WMCMH in Lake County at (231) 745-4659.

Cunningham said people seeking immediate assistance should call the national suicide prevention lifeline at 1-(800)-273-TALK or text HOME to 741741.

“Some teenagers or young adults would rather text than call someone,” she said. “People need to know it’s okay to get help no matter how they want to reach out.”

In addition to people knowing where they can go for help, Cunningham said it also is important for people to keep an eye on friends and family members who may be exhibiting signs of suicidal thoughts.

She said talking to someone about if they are feeling suicidal is the first step toward being able to connect them to further help if they need it.

“The most important thing you can do if a family member is exhibiting signs of suicidal behavior is restrict access to means of attempting suicide,” Cunningham said.

According to the World Health Organization, steps to prevent suicide and suicide attempts include reducing access to the means of suicide, such as pesticides, firearms or certain medications; offering follow-up care for people who attempted suicide in the past and training non-specialized health workers in the assessment and management of suicidal behavior.

The organization also stresses the importance of reducing the stigma surrounding mental disorders and suicide as raising community awareness is an important step in preventing suicide in the future.

“If you see someone who is having a difficult time, talk to them,” Cunningham said.

For more information about services offered in Mecosta, Osceola and Lake counties, visit cmhcm.org or wmcmhs.org.